Nancy Guthrie kidnapping: Ex-FBI Agent dismisses viral ‘wrench attack’ theory

Ex-FBI agent rejects viral Nancy Guthrie kidnapping theories, urging trust in investigators and facts

More than 100 days after the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of TV anchor Savannah Guthrie, a retired FBI agent is pushing back against online speculation surrounding the case.

Speaking to Parade, former FBI agent Jason Pack criticized viral theories circulating on social media, including the so-called “wrench attack” theory, which suggests that a kidnapper may be acting under the direction of a mastermind seeking ransom money from the family.

Pack stressed that the public does not have access to the evidence investigators are reviewing.

“Not one of us outside this investigation has read the case file,” he said, noting that law enforcement is working with forensic evidence, communications records, and other information unavailable to the public.

He also warned that cybercriminals often exploit high-profile kidnapping cases by posing as kidnappers and attempting to extort money from victims’ families. According to Pack, investigators continue to assess every communication connected to the case while relying on verified facts rather than online theories.

The case has generated significant attention since 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie vanished in February. Recent reports about a human skeleton discovered near her Arizona home fueled speculation, but experts later determined the remains were centuries old and unrelated to the investigation.

Meanwhile, reports claim Savannah Guthrie has hired private investigators and spent substantial resources in an effort to locate her mother, underscoring the family's determination to find answers as the search continues.